This Cephalopod is Stealing Hearts

Researchers aboard the Nautilus exploration vessel recently discovered a peculiar-looking squid off the coast of California.

Published October 05, 2016

Photo courtesy of E/V Nautilus

The big-eyed, bright purple squid is known as a stubby squid. It was spotted by an underwater remotely operated vehicle nearly 3,000 feet below the surface.

The stubby squid is a nocturnal ambush predator that feeds on shrimp and other small fish. It spends most of its days burrowed with just its eyes visible. Sand adheres to a sticky layer of mucus on the squid’s skin, helping it stay camouflaged as it moves about on the ocean floor.